NMCC Eagles hard at work

New Madrid County Central High School head basketball coach Lennies McFerren, center, talks about the importance of defense during a practice with members of the Eagles basketball team. The coaches and team used the Christmas break to hone their skills for the remainder of the season. NMCC's first game of 2022 will be Jan. 4 at home against Kennett. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Members of the New Madrid County Central High School basketball team use what they have learned about defense during practice. The team concentrated on improving their skills during the holiday break. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Members of the New Madrid County Central High School basketball team use what they have learned about defense during practice. The team concentrated on improving their skills during the holiday break. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

NMCC basketball coach Dontre Jenkins watches as a member of the Eagles basketball team drops the ball into the basket during a practice over the Christmas break. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

NMCC basketball coach Lennies McFerren Jr., left, talks with members of the Eagles basketball team about defense during a practice. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

New Madrid County Central High School head basketball coach Lennies McFerren. left, discusses defensive tactics with members of the NMCC Eagles basketball team. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Coach Lennies McFerren Jr. talks with members of the New Madrid County Central basketball team about defense during a practice. The Eagles used their holiday break to drill on fundamentals as they prepare for the remainder of their season. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)